Schools Spectacular Executive Producer Jane Simmons said everyone should be proud to share in the triumph of the 2016 show.

“Schools Spectacular 2016 was amazing,” Ms Simmons said.

“With more than 5000 performers and hundreds behind the scene it was an unbelievably massive show and the audiences were thrilled.

“Every single performer, the incredible teachers and staff who brought it all together at the arena and at school, the students’ parents and all who contributed deserve huge applause for the incredible efforts.

“Schools Spectacular truly lived up to the traditional of the QUDOS Bank Arena which has hosted the biggest names in entertainment.

“Our cast and crew rank with them as stars.”

The Schools Spectacular cast officially counted as 5322 for the record attempt included a 2,700-strong choir; 2,300 dancers; an 80-piece symphony orchestra; a world-class stage band; and more than 40 Featured Artists.

At times they flooded the arena stage with vibrant intensity while in other intimate scene performers captured the huge stadium audience with their mesmerising talent.​

From classical extravaganzas blending the symphony orchestra and choir to explosions of pulsating rock and pop, the Schools Spectacular colourfully unfolded the broad spectrum of music and dance.

There was something for everyone, including Trekkies with actor and Playschool favourite Jay Laga’aia reprising his Star Wars role with some of Spec’s tiniest dancers, before performing with four of his children – all Schools Spectacular cast members.

Even before the last of the audiences filed out of the new Olympic Park venue, planning was already underway to make Schools Spectacular 2017 bigger and more impressive.

Twelve Quirindi Public School students and three teachers became world record breakers last weekend as members of the huge choir in the world’s largest amateur variety performance - Schools Spectacular 2016.

Guinness World Records officials were on hand to declare the record to the 5500 excited performers and the huge crowd at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney.

The Quirindi kids formed part of the 2700-voice choir, performing in 26 different songs throughout the evening’s entertainment.

“Schools Spec is always an amazing experience for anyone who takes part, whether they are dancing, singing, working back stage or helping in any way,” Quirindi Public School Assistant Principal Mrs Skye Davis said.

“This year was bigger than ever with the choir not only singing in 26 acts, but delivering great choreography as well!”

Quirindi Public School Teacher, Mrs Ann Stent, said the one of the highlights was when the Quirindi students participated in the walking choir which filled the stage and performed an amazing version of I Believe with sign language based choreography.

“It was incredibly moving - very emotional,” Mrs Stent said.

It was a huge week for the Quirindi students, with a 4.30am start on Tuesday morning and two 10-hour rehearsal days before their two marathon performances on Friday and two performances on Saturday.

“We really do encourage anyone who has the chance to participate in Schools Spec to grab the opportunity,” said Mrs Pam Tanner, who has accompanied students to the event thirteen times.

“It is about so much more than singing and dancing - it is about working together, discipline, resilience and ultimately the huge sense of satisfaction and reward.”

Schools Spectacular alumni include the McClymonts, Angus and Julia Stone, Human Nature and Anja Nissen.  

This year’s feature artists included 15-year-old Fletcher Pilon, winner of this year’s Australia’s Got Talent, and 11-year-old Molly Barwick, who won a Helpmann Award this year for Best Female Actor in a Musical for her starring role in Matilda - The Musical. 

“To not only see performers of this calibre, but perform alongside them in a supporting role, is an experience our kids will remember for the rest of their lives,” Mrs Davis said. 

Schools Spectacular showcases the talent of students from a broad range NSW public schools.  

The performers are accompanied by an 80-piece symphony orchestra and a world class stage band, both of which consist of the most talented young musicians from NSW public schools. The theme for this year’s event was “Dream Big”.

The Quirindi team consisted of Adelaide Eade, Kennan Davis, Liam Durie, Sam Widdis, Arabella Scanlon, Paige Sevil, Shian Kim, Brianna Clark, Jessica Golland, Heidi Lamb, Allie Palmer and Phoebe Hallman.

The show will be televised at 7pm on Saturday.

·         Armidale City PS

·         Armidale HS

·         Ben Venue PS

·         Collarenebri CS

·         Duval HS

·         Glen Innes HS

·         Goodooga CS

·         Guyra CS

·         Inverell HS

·         Lightning Ridge CS

·         Manilla CS

·         Moree Secondary College

·         Narrabri HS

·         Oxley HS

·         Peel HS

·         Quirindi PS

·         Tamworth HS

·         Tamworth South PS

·         Walgett Community College

·         Wee Waa HS

·         Armidale City PS

·         Armidale HS

·         Ben Venue PS

·         Collarenebri CS

·         Duval HS

·         Glen Innes HS

·         Goodooga CS

·         Guyra CS

·         Inverell HS

·         Lightning Ridge CS

·         Manilla CS

·         Moree Secondary College

·         Narrabri HS

·         Oxley HS

·         Peel HS

·         Quirindi PS

·         Tamworth HS

·         Tamworth South PS

·         Walgett Community College

·         Wee Waa HS